Amazon unveils the Mac Download Store

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Apple, beware – Amazon is coming for you. In a surprise move, Amazon launched the Mac Download Store today, extending application downloads to Mac users the same way Apple’s own integrated App Store works. Amazon has experience with alternative app stores: their mobile app store for Android has gained traction even though Google continues to improve on the Android App Market. Now, since there’s no exclusivity with Mac OS the way Apple has with iOS app sales and downloads, Amazon is getting into the game as well.

The Amazon Mac Download Store offers 250 software packages and video games for download, and unlike the App Store doesn’t require an download helper or utility installed on your Mac in order to work. In a way, this means the announcement amounts to little more than digital software delivery for the Mac, but it’s the first time a major software retailer other than Apple has offered the service.

As part of the Mac Download Store, Amazon also gives users a Software Library that tracks the applications they purchase and download so they can reinstall them if they need to, or download them again if they buy a new Mac.

The Mac Download Store is separated into two areas: the software download store and the video game download store. When you visit the store on the Web, you’ll see an overview of some of the featured titles, and you can move on to visit each store individually if you’re looking for something specific.

Some of the apps in the store at launch are notable, like Microsoft Office for Mac – which isn’t available on Apple’s own Mac App Store. The video game store also offers a broader selection of titles than Apple’s own App Store, including EA games like Dragon Age and The Sims.

How Apple will respond, if at all, is anyone’s guess. Amazon is forcing Apple’s hand in a number of ways: Apple has said they’re planning to bring more of the lessons learned in iOS to Mac OS, especially in OS 10.7 “Lion.” Some analysts have concluded that means Apple will take a curated approach to app purchases and installs as they have with iOS. Others have said it would be a bad move for Apple to try and route all Mac application installs through one store and to prevent users from downloading software directly from manufacturers or loading it on their computers themselves. Either way, we’re likely to find out soon.